Can my hen raise guinea keets

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

Hi, can my broody hen hatch and raise guinea keets? Thanks in advance

 

[sourland]

Absolutely. I have had hens raise keets, poults, and all sort of water fowl. Hens raising ducklings or goslings do get a little panicky when their 'kids' enter the water.

 

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

Absolutely. I have had hens raise keets, poults, and all sort of water fowl. Hens raising ducklings or goslings do get a little panicky when their 'kids' enter the water.

Haha so I’ve heard, thanks for the information, how many keets do you recommend I get? 2? 3? More?

 

[sourland]

How many do you want ? A bantam hen can adequately brood as many as 8. Understand that if fostering you need to get day olds and hen is best at the 21 day broody period or keets will not bond to her, and she may refuse to accept them.

 

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

I would like 2, but I’ve heard they require larger groups?!?

 

[sourland]

Guinea fowl do like large 'marauding' flocks. They are for sure flock animals.

 

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

Guinea fowl do like large 'marauding' flocks. They are for sure flock animals.

What amount of birds do you recommend, will 4-6 or more like 8-10, I do not feel like I will have the space for the later amount

 

[sourland]

4-6 should provide a mix of both sexes. Understand that a flock of guineas is an interesting experience. They are inquisitive, noisy and mischievous.

 

[J&Kfeatheredfowl]

4-6 should provide a mix of both sexes. Understand that a flock of guineas is an interesting experience. They are inquisitive, noisy and mischievous.

Okay thanks, I will most likely be buying around 5 and letting a broody or incubator hatch them, any other tips and tricks when it comes to Guineas? Any behaviours when it comes to gentle breeds like silkies?

 

[sourland]

Guinea fowl can be bullies, and if they start attacking a particular bird it is very difficult to break the behavior. Generally separation becomes necessary.